Local News

River Downs Becomes Belterra Park

by 700WLW News

(Anderson Township, OH) -- The CEO of Pinnacle Entertainment says "Belterra" is a play on a Portugese term, meaning "beautiful land", and he says the new racino's location fits that description. What was River Downs will be Belterra Park when it opens in 2014.

The name change is deliberate. It connects the racino in southeastern Hamilton County with Pinnacle Entertainment's resort in Florence, Indiana: Belterra Casino. Anthony Sanfilippo says Belterra Park will be a "fully intergrated gaming and entertainment center". He says they'll have 1,600 video lottery terminals, with a high stakes area, and a player's club section. And next to the grandstand, an open air pavillion for viewing the live races.

Sanfilippo says Belterra Park will have two race tracks: a one mile dirt track, and a turf track just under a mile long. He expects turf racing to start in 2015. Representatives for the racino plan to meet with the Ohio Racing Commission Thursday to discuss the dates for the racing season.

The rest of the racino should be open by May 1st, 2014.

Belterra Park covers 20 acres, and Sanfilippo says that gives them room for growth. He says if they believe there's demand, they'll build a hotel.